Following the positive impact of last two years’ programme, Fordhall Organic Farm is celebrating after securing funding from Lingen Davies Cancer Support to continue its restorative and free-to-access ‘Renew and Restore’ sessions, for those with a cancer diagnosis. The programme has also received additional funding from Great Bolas Cancer Committee, enabling it to deliver even more sessions.

These sessions aim to provide a welcoming and safe space where attendees can connect with nature alongside others with a cancer diagnosis, and all away from the clinical environment. Attendees are welcome to dip in and out as they feel comfortable, with the farm offering plenty of peaceful spaces for rest and mindfulness.

This milestone comes at a particularly special time, as Fordhall Organic Farm approaches its 20th year of community ownership. The farm continues to welcome visitors seeking moments of calm, with its many tranquil spots to sit and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative general manager, said:

“We are honoured to be able to run this project with support from Lingen Davies and Great Bolas Cancer Committee. It is a project very close to my own heart having lost both a sister and a brother to cancer over the years. When Fordhall was saved from development two decades ago, we could never had hoped that the farm would be such a hive of community activity and being able to run projects like this, where the land becomes such a healing space is simply wonderful.”

‘Renew and Restore’ has proven to be a space of comfort and enjoyment, offering attendees the chance to step away from daily challenges, build new skills, form friendships, and try something a little different at the heart of England’s first community-owned farm.

One attendee said that “I have found the sessions very therapeutic whilst I was going through treatment and in early months after treatment for primary breast cancer.  Nurturing sessions together with other people going through a cancer journey enabled conversations one wouldn’t necessarily have with other friends and family.”

Lingen Davies has approved funding to continue these fortnightly Friday sessions for a further 12 months. Launched in 1979, Lingen Davies is a cancer charity which aims to bring cancer services closer to the people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid-Wales.

The community-owned farm, the Fordhall Community Land Initiative in Market Drayton, ran their first session of 2026 on 14th February – with a ‘welcome to the farm’, and gentle nature walk along their picturesque trails, where the group immersed themselves with nature, shared a light lunch, and shared ideas on what the future sessions should include.

Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said the charity was pleased to continue supporting this important community initiative to support those living with and beyond cancer.

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to extend our investment in this programme. Feedback has shown that it makes a true difference for those across the region who are affected by cancer which is incredible as that's what our charity is all about - making a positive difference.

“Our free to access Wellbeing Programme provides a vital lifeline for so many at a time it's most needed and we're very proud of the life-changing impact it's had, and will continue to have on local people living with and beyond cancer and their loved ones. We're excited to see what variety of activities Fordhall Farm puts on throughout year."

This year Great Bolas and Eaton on Tern Cancer Committee have offered additional funding to expand ‘Renew and Restore’.

Cathy Thomason, Great Bolas and Eaton on Tern Committee chair said “We are just a group of local ladies raising funds for a worthy cause and we were so impressed with the work that Fordhall Organic Farm are doing for the community. We love the fact that the money is being spent locally, it’s for a wonderful cause and we are pleased to have been able to help”.

‘Renew and Restore’ sessions are free to access to anyone with a cancer diagnosis and are run on fortnightly Fridays. To learn more and register your interest in the programme visit fordhallfarm.com/renewandrestore or call on 01630 638696.
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For more information and to register for sessions, please visit: www.fordhallfarm.com/restoreandrenew